This paper aims to contribute to the debate about the value of blockchain for supply chain management by assessing empirical evidence on the relationship between blockchain and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the debate about the value of blockchain for supply chain management by assessing empirical evidence on the relationship between blockchain and supply chain performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a structured review of the academic literature to identify and assess papers providing empirical insight on operational blockchain applications. The authors complement the findings from this review with primary empirical data from 11 interviews with blockchain providers, users and experts involved in four recent projects.
Findings
The paper presents an integrated research framework that illustrates the impact of blockchain on supply chain performance. The findings highlight that blockchain can affect supply chain performance directly – via one of its core technological features – and indirectly via the broader business project through which blockchain technology is implemented.
Practical implications
Insights from this paper should provide managers with a more nuanced understanding of how blockchain technology can be leveraged to address important supply chain management challenges.
Originality/value
Prior research addressing the relationship between blockchain and supply chain performance mostly discusses potential performance effects of blockchain, presents individual blockchain applications and/or provides little explanation for how the core technological features of blockchain affect supply chain performance. This paper systematically assesses the ways in which blockchain can affect supply chain performance. In doing so, it goes beyond the initial hype around blockchain technology while countering some of the more recent critiques.
Details
Keywords
Paul Buijs and J.C. (“Hans”) Wortmann
This paper addresses horizontal supply chain collaboration among autonomous freight carriers in the less-than-truckload industry. The main purpose of the paper is to identify and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper addresses horizontal supply chain collaboration among autonomous freight carriers in the less-than-truckload industry. The main purpose of the paper is to identify and explain the challenges with joint operational decision-making in this context and investigate the precise role of information technology (IT) therein.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical evidence is gathered by means of exploratory and explanatory case research, with multiple cases at the planning departments of European freight carriers operating in collaborative transportation networks.
Findings
Collaborating carriers face fundamental challenges in joint operational planning and control of collaborative transportation, despite the broad availability of state-of-the-art IT. These operational supply chain challenges can be explained by technological differences of the available IT applications, which hinder integration.
Research limitations/implications
Any expectations with regard to state-of-the-art XML or EDI-based IT integration for improved joint operational decision-making in collaborative transportation networks should be considered with care. In particular, the authors' research findings may encourage practitioners to consider new planning and control procedures and develop dedicated IT applications for collaborating freight carriers.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the importance of horizontal supply chain collaboration for small and medium-sized freight carriers in the less-than-truckload industry and conceptualises how collaborative transportation networks are organised. Furthermore, an IT typology is introduced to explain the challenges with joint operational decision-making.
Details
Keywords
Kanwal Jit Singh, Inderpreet Singh Ahuja and Jatinder Kapoor
This review paper reveals the literature on ultrasonic, chemical-assisted ultrasonic and rotary ultrasonic machining (USM) of glass material. The purpose of this review paper is…
Abstract
Purpose
This review paper reveals the literature on ultrasonic, chemical-assisted ultrasonic and rotary ultrasonic machining (USM) of glass material. The purpose of this review paper is to understand and describe the working principle, mechanism of material removal, experimental investigation, applications and influence of input parameters on machining characteristics. The literature reveals that the ultrasonic machines have been generally preferred for the glass and brittle work materials. Some other non-traditional machining processes may thermally damage the work surface. Through these USM, neither thermal effects nor residual stresses have been generated on the machined surface.
Design/methodology/approach
Various input parameters have the significant role in machine performance characteristics. For the optimization of output response, several input parameters have been critically investigated by the various researcher.
Findings
Some advance types of glasses such as polycarbonate bulletproof glass, acrylic heat-resistant glass and glass-clad polycarbonate bulletproof glass still need some further investigation because these materials have vast applications in automobile, aerospace and space industries.
Originality/value
Review paper will be beneficial for industrial application and the various young researcher. Paper reveals the detail literature review on traditional ultrasonic, chemical assisted ultrasonic and rotary USM of glass and glass composite materials.
Details
Keywords
Gerben G. Meyer, Paul Buijs, Nick B. Szirbik and J.C. (Hans) Wortmann
Many transportation companies struggle to effectively utilize the information provided by tracking technology for performing operational control. The research as presented in this…
Abstract
Purpose
Many transportation companies struggle to effectively utilize the information provided by tracking technology for performing operational control. The research as presented in this paper aims to identify the problems underlying the inability to utilize tracking technology within this context. Moreover, this paper aims to contribute to solving these problems by proposing a set of design principles based on the concept of intelligent products.
Design/methodology/approach
The study as described in this paper adopts a design science research methodology consisting of three phases. First, a case study in a transportation company has been performed to identify the problems faced when utilizing tracking technology. Second, to overcome these problems, a set of design principles has been formulated. Finally, a prototype system based on the design principles has been developed and subjected to experimental and observational evaluation.
Findings
This paper identifies the problems associated with the utilization of tracking technology for the control of transport operations. Moreover, the proposed design principles support the development of information systems which overcome the identified problems and thereby enhance the utilization of tracking technology in a transportation context.
Originality/value
The commonly held perception that tracking technology will improve the ability to perform operational control does not unequivocally stand up to empirical scrutiny. While it is widely demonstrated that tracking technology is able to accurately capture the detailed operational information, it remains a fundamental challenge to transform this abundance of information into accurate and timely control decisions. This research provides a valuable contribution with respect to tackling this challenge, by identifying problems and providing solutions related to the utilization of readily available tracking technology.
Details
Keywords
Daniel Hernández-Torrano, Kathelijne Bessems, Goof Buijs, Camille Lassalle, William Datema and Didier Jourdan
This study presents an overview of research literature on health promotion in schools, utilizing metadata extracted from 4,328 publications indexed in the Scopus database over the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study presents an overview of research literature on health promotion in schools, utilizing metadata extracted from 4,328 publications indexed in the Scopus database over the past 35 years.
Design/methodology/approach
A bibliometric approach was used to analyze the development and current state of using publication and citation data. A structured keyword search was conducted in the Scopus database to retrieve relevant publications in the field. Frequency counts, rank-ordered tables and time series charts were used to illustrate the dynamic growth of publication and citation data, the core journals, the leading countries and the most frequently used keywords in research on health promotion in school contexts. A series of social network analyses was conducted to explore and visualize the social, intellectual and conceptual structure of the field.
Findings
Findings demonstrate that health promotion in the school context is a growing research field that has gained significant momentum in recent years. The research in this field is widely distributed internationally, but the research output is dominated by the US and other English-speaking countries. The study reveals a trend toward increased collaboration among research groups. The level of international collaboration varies. The research field is highly interdisciplinary, and the main research themes addressed in the literature include mental health, well-being and quality of life; health behaviors; oral health education; sexual and reproductive education and general health promotion and health education in schools.
Originality/value
This is the first study to map the development of a research field with growing recognition. It provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of health promotion in the school context and its progress over time, contributing to the organization of the research domain. The study demonstrates the need for a new framework for health promotion research that supports the sustainability of health promotion research in schools.
Details
Keywords
This chapter aims at providing insight into how social mixing plays out in the Transvaal neighborhood in Amsterdam — a neighborhood which has gone through various rounds of urban…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter aims at providing insight into how social mixing plays out in the Transvaal neighborhood in Amsterdam — a neighborhood which has gone through various rounds of urban renewal — in the context of nationwide polarization between native-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch.
Methodology/approach
This chapter is based on research with a neighborhood focus — daily interactions, urban renewal, and use of public space — which took place during 2007–2010. Methods used include participant observation, semistructured interviews, and focus groups.
Findings
The physical renewal implies renovating and pulling down social housing, and building new social or owner-occupier housing. This study provides insight into how residents of different ethnic and income backgrounds live together in the neighborhood, also taking into account the impact of social polarization at the national level.
Social implications
By knowing how people with different ethnic and class backgrounds live together in Transvaal neighborhood, it contributes to the formulation of evidence-based policies for the improvement of social cohesion, livability, safety of the neighborhood, and social capital of local residents.
Originality/value
This study looks at social mix in the context of national-level social polarization between native-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch. This creates a new viewpoint seen against how the general literature on renewal and social mixing tends to do two things: firstly it usually explicitly or implicitly is also a tenure mix strategy, and secondly the policy focus of the social mix is usually around class issues, that is, the mixing of poor social housing tenants with richer owners.
Details
Keywords
Presents findings from a case study looking at African medicine vendors in Durban, South Africa. Compares the culturally repressive apartheid period with the post‐apartheid…
Abstract
Presents findings from a case study looking at African medicine vendors in Durban, South Africa. Compares the culturally repressive apartheid period with the post‐apartheid explosion of self‐realization of the African population. Shows that street vending is still seen as an eyesore and a problem but still plays an important role in the post‐apartheid era as a form of resistance to simplistic African policies.
Details
Keywords
This paper takes advantage of the closeness of two separated communities on the island of Cyprus to study how controversial products and forms of offensive advertising executions…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper takes advantage of the closeness of two separated communities on the island of Cyprus to study how controversial products and forms of offensive advertising executions can be related to levels of religiousness, time usage and temporality. The resulting observations are then to be offered as insights into the notion of ethics of the two religious groups and how these might influence marketing to multicultural communities
Design/methodology/approach
The findings are based on a small‐scale survey of 530 students (211 Christians, 302 Muslims and 18 undeclared) who responded to a questionnaire distributed at two privately owned English‐speaking institutions, one in the north and one in the south part of Cyprus.
Findings
The study indicates a high degree of commonality between Islamic and Christian student Cypriots living in adjoining regimes, even given their ideological and political differences.
Research limitations/implications
The relatively small numbers studied and the focus on students could limit the generalisation of these results.
Practical implications
The results raise some issues for marketing segmentation and image use. For instance, positive and forward‐looking images would stimulate most of the group regardless of their level of faith.
Originality/value
This paper identifies commonalities and also ontological differences that ought to inform global marketing campaigns.
Details
Keywords
Paul Gibbs, Mustafa Ilkan and Stavros Pouloukas
This paper takes advantage of the closeness of two secular, separated communities on the island of Cyprus to study how controversial products and forms of offensive advertising…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper takes advantage of the closeness of two secular, separated communities on the island of Cyprus to study how controversial products and forms of offensive advertising can be related to levels of religiousness, time usage and temporality. The resulting observations are then offered as insights into the notion of ethics in the two religious groups and how these might influence marketing to multicultural communities.
Design/methodology/approach
The findings are based on a small‐scale survey of 530 students (211 Christians, 302 Muslims and 18 undeclared) who responded to a questionnaire distributed at two privately owned, English speaking institutions, one in the north and one in the south part of Cyprus.
Findings
This study indicates a high degree of commonality between Muslim and Christian students living in the adjoining communities in Cyprus. In general, overall reactions were tolerant of most products and forms of advertising, but where there were differences occurred there were specific reactions to the forms of the advertising. Significant differences were found across the communities when devoutness was tested especially regarding products that were of a sexual nature.
Research limitations/implications
The relatively small numbers studied in the special case of Cyprus and the focus on students could limit the generalisation of these results.
Practical implications
The results raise some issues for marketing segmentation and image use. For instance, positive and forward‐looking images would stimulate most of the group regardless of their level of faith.
Originality/value
This paper identifies commonalties and also ontological differences that could have implications for global marketing campaigns.
Details
Keywords
Elena Isabel Vazquez Melendez, Paul Bergey and Brett Smith
This study aims to examine the blockchain landscape in supply chain management by drawing insights from academic and industry literature. It identifies the key drivers…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the blockchain landscape in supply chain management by drawing insights from academic and industry literature. It identifies the key drivers, categorizes the products involved and highlights the business values achieved by early adopters of blockchain technology within the supply chain domain. Additionally, it explores fingerprinting techniques to establish a robust connection between physical products and the blockchain ledger.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors combined the interpretive sensemaking systematic literature review to offer insights into how organizations interpreted their business challenges and adopted blockchain technology in their specific supply chain context; content analysis (using Leximancer automated text mining software) for concept mapping visualization, facilitating the identification of key themes, trends and relationships, and qualitative thematic analysis (NVivo) for data organization, coding and enhancing the depth and efficiency of analysis.
Findings
The findings highlight the transformative potential of blockchain technology and offer valuable insights into its implementation in optimizing supply chain operations. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of product provenance information to consumers, with blockchain technology offering certainty and increasing customer loyalty toward brands that prioritize transparency.
Research limitations/implications
This research has several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, there is a possibility that some relevant investigations may have been missed or omitted, which could impact the findings. In addition, the limited availability of literature on blockchain adoption in supply chains may restrict the scope of the conclusions. The evolving nature of blockchain adoption in supply chains also poses a limitation. As the technology is in its infancy, the authors expect that a rapidly emerging body of literature will provide more extensive evidence-based general conclusions in the future. Another limitation is the lack of information contrasting academic and industry research, which could have provided more balanced insights into the technology’s advancement. The authors attributed this limitation to the narrow collaborations between academia and industry in the field of blockchain for supply chain management.
Practical implications
Practitioners recognize the potential of blockchain in addressing industry-specific challenges, such as ensuring transparency and data provenance. Understanding the benefits achieved by early adopters can serve as a starting point for companies considering blockchain adoption. Blockchain technology can verify product origin, enable truthful certifications and comply with established standards, reinforcing trust among stakeholders and customers. Thus, implementing blockchain solutions can enhance brand reputation and consumer confidence by ensuring product authenticity and quality. Based on the results, companies can align their strategies and initiatives with their needs and expectations.
Social implications
In essence, the integration of blockchain technology within supply chain provenance initiatives not only influences economic aspects but also brings substantial social impacts by reinforcing consumer trust, encouraging sustainable and ethical practices, combating product counterfeiting, empowering stakeholders and contributing to a more responsible, transparent and progressive socioeconomic environment.
Originality/value
This study consolidates current knowledge on blockchain’s capacity and identifies the specific drivers and business values associated with early blockchain adoption in supply chain provenance. Furthermore, it underscores the critical role of product fingerprinting techniques in supporting blockchain for supply chain provenance, facilitating more robust and efficient supply chain operations.